Meet your IABC/Calgary Board of Directors
We’re a friendly bunch and always happy to hear from members and volunteers on how we can improve your experience. Come say hello at an upcoming event!
Interested in participating on the Board? We are actively recruiting! Email our Executive to find out more.
President – Colleen Houston, PMP, SCMP
Colleen is a well-rounded communications professional known for strategically navigating complex challenges and delivering practical, innovative solutions. With over a decade of experience in the energy sector, she brings expertise in corporate brand management, digital marketing and storytelling. Her work has earned industry recognition, including IABC Gold Quill Awards of Merit in both 2023 and 2019.
Past President – Caroline Lule, CMP
Caroline is a strategic communication professional with a mix of agency and corporate experience. During her career, she has developed and led public relations and communications programs and campaigns for clients operating in the technology, publishing, and energy sectors.
Caroline is also a Certified Communication Management Professional (CMP) who holds a Bachelor of Arts from Toronto Metropolitan University, a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications from Seneca Polytechnic, and an MBA from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University.
Vice President – Dean Paddock
Dean Paddock is a skilled leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, government relations, and stakeholder engagement across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. As Vice President, Community Engagement at YMCA Calgary, he leads communications, marketing, public affairs, and partnerships, driving both brand reputation and community impact. Dean’s career includes senior roles at the Calgary Airport Authority, TD Bank, Encana, and Bell Canada. He has led major brand transformations, crisis communications, policy advocacy, and marketing campaigns, consistently delivering results in complex environments.
Known for building high-performing teams and purpose-driven strategies, Dean brings a collaborative, values-based approach to leadership. He currently volunteers on the Major Grant Committee at the Calgary Foundation, and he is excited to return to the IABC board of directors to support the mission and contribute to the future of the profession.
Director, Mentorship – Scott Sargent
As a seasoned communications professional of more than 20 years, Scott’s career has spanned several industries and areas of marketing and sales. Scott currently works at Stantec as a Communications Specialist where he has been for over four years with their talented employee communications team. He has also volunteered with their local Developing Professional’s Group (DPG) as a mentor and is a Co-Chair of Stantec’s Military and Veterans Advocates (MAVA) Canada Employee Resource Group.
Scott previously volunteered as a blog writer and manager with IABC Calgary. He also has 10 years and counting with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reserves.
Director, Member Communications – Ghalib Sumar
Ghalib, born and raised in Toronto, is an ambitious, detail-oriented, and accomplished professional with 15+ years of experience in Marketing & Communications (MarComms). He is a dedicated volunteer champion in the community where his extensive experience has had a measurable impact and created meaningful results. Ghalib has been active with IABC since 2022, serving previously as the IABC/Calgary Newsletter Manager and the 2023 IABC Canada West Conference Marketing Coordinator. In his spare time, he regularly enjoys going to the mountains and is a huge basketball fan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University, a Bachelor of Health Studies from York University, and a Digital Marketing & Social Media with UI/UX Design Certificate from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).
Director, Membership – Akunna Onyedum, SCMP
Akunna brings over a decade of experience across private and public sector organizations in Canada and West Africa, where she managed communications for major business transformations, client engagement, crisis situations and culture-building initiatives for organizations like Novartis Pharmaceuticals, CGI Group Inc. and the Government of Canada. She currently serves as Director of Membership on the IABC/Calgary Board, helping to grow the Comms community and foster meaningful professional connections.
Akunna holds the Strategic Communications Management Professional (SCMP®) designation, a master’s degree in English and an MBA from the University of East London. She is also a mentor at the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC) where she supports communications professionals who are new to Canada. Outside of work, Akunna is a certified hiking guide, an avid traveler and a Scrabble enthusiast. She is excited to bring her passion for strategic communications and community building to the IABC/Calgary Board in the year ahead.
Director, Finance
– Jamie Anne Vaughan
Jamie is the Founder and Principal of Westwood Strategies – a PR and communications agency. With 10+ years of business, communications, PR, and marketing experience, she is well suited to help organizations share their stories. In addition, Jamie coaches and mentors women to help them shift gears in their career, change the trajectory of their business, or safeguard their personal and financial future. Jamie is a sessional instructor at Mount Royal University, and she holds a BAH from Queen’s University and an MBA from Dalhousie University.
Director, Professional Development & Events – Jaedyn Paquette
Jaedyn is a globally experienced marketing and communications professional who brings a strategic, relationship-focused lens to complex industries and cross-cultural environments. She has led campaigns across five continents, drawing on a versatile skill set that includes internal and external communications, copywriting, design, digital marketing, event planning and project management. She spent nearly five years living and working in Germany, where she learned to navigate both a new culture and a new language – professionally and personally.
Director, Student Development – Virginia Mackay
Virginia Mackay is a communications professional with a passion for helping nonprofit organizations share their stories, strengthen partnerships, and connect with their audiences through strategic public relations, fundraising campaigns, and targeted media outreach. With a background in interior design and project management, she brings a unique perspective and a relationship-focused approach to her role with IABC Calgary. Outside of work, Virginia enjoys adventuring in the mountains, cooking delicious meals and reading.
Director, Marketing & Web – Mackenzie Bailey
Mackenzie Bailey is a communications and marketing professional with around ten years of experience in communications planning, content creation, and digital strategy. She works at Steeped Content as a marketing and communications consultant. Mackenzie has led campaigns for nonprofits, FMCG, and community-focused organizations. She brings expertise in digital marketing, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive communications to IABC. Mackenzie holds an MSc in Marketing Strategy & Innovation and professional designations, including Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) and Chartered Certified Marketing Management Professional (CMMP).
